Background
Freightliner, one of the UK’s leading rail freight operators, faces the challenge of operating heavy plant and materials handling equipment in busy, high-risk environments. With large machines manoeuvring around staff, maintaining visibility and preventing pedestrian incidents is critical.
FTC, in collaboration with Briggs Equipment, worked closely with Freightliner to deliver an innovative AI-powered pedestrian detection solution. This project embodies Briggs’ Power in Partnership philosophy — combining trusted expertise and leading-edge technology to deliver safer working environments.
The Challenge
Operating large machinery presents significant visibility challenges:
- Drivers are focused on the task ahead and cannot always see behind them.
- Blind spots around lifters and containers increase the risk of pedestrian accidents.
- Low-light and dusty environments reduce equipment visibility further.
- Management lacked insight into when and where pedestrian risks occurred.
Freightliner required a solution that would both protect ground staff and give operators greater confidence in their day-to-day work.
The Solution
FTC installed a Pedestrian Detection Camera System, coupled with multiple cameras to improve operator awareness. The system is integrated with FTC’s connected portal, giving Freightliner management the ability to review footage, monitor pedestrian detections, and analyse risk patterns.
Key features include
- AI-powered pedestrian detection: Identifies both moving and stationary people entering danger zones.
- In-cab alerts and displays: Real-time warnings give operators full situational awareness.
- Illuminated rear livery and flashing chevrons: Enhancing visibility of machines in dark or dusty conditions.
- Management reporting tools: Allowing safety teams to act on trends and improve site-wide safety.
The Results
The system has transformed pedestrian safety at Freightliner:
- Operators report increased confidence when manoeuvring heavy equipment, with blind spots effectively covered.
- Pedestrian detection reduces the risk of unseen hazards, particularly when working in and around containers.
- Visibility improvements make machines stand out clearly in poor conditions, protecting both operators and ground staff.
- Managers can now base safety strategies on real-world data, helping reduce risk across sites.
One Freightliner operator remarked: “There’s no chance of missing a person behind the machine with this system in place.”
Conclusion
This project highlights what can be achieved when technology and strong partnerships come together. By combining FTC’s intelligent pedestrian detection systems with Briggs Equipment’s Power in Partnership approach, Freightliner now operates with greater safety, visibility, and confidence.
Together, FTC and Briggs are setting new standards for health and safety in the rail freight sector — protecting people, equipment, and operations alike.
